London Museums of Health & Medicine
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The London Museums of Health and Medicine (LMoHM) is a consortium of specialist museums in the British capital, several of which, like the BOA Museum, are to be found housed in the headquarters of medical examining colleges and professional bodies. The group was founded in 1991 and we have been a member organisation since 1998. The BOA Museum Curator is the current Chairman of the LMoHM Group for the term of office June 2011-2014. Previously he was Secretary to the group from 2000-2003 and remained an active participant in group activities, acting as its webmaster until the start of 2010 and overseeing the launch of current version of the website which took place in August 2009.
All LMoHM museums are open to the general public although opening arrangements vary considerably between them. For more information, including a summary of each member's education provision and family history resources go to the LMoHM website.
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The LMoHM produces a joint leaflet, the latest version of which (launched in October 2008) may be seen above and a revised version of which is planned to appear later in 2011. Copies of the leaflet may be obtained from member museums. It gives a brief overview of each member organisation's collection, public opening times, accessibility information and relevant contact details.
The group also participates in heritage events such as the 'London Maze' local history event at Guildhall, the most recent of which was held on 16 April 2011. On 16 October 2004 the group hosted a stand for the second time at this event, featuring information, object demonstrations and souvenir sales. Over 2000 people attended, many of whom learned how to roll pills, what went inside a red cross aid package and how to conduct an early Victorian amputation. The BOA Museum contributed a 1950s trial case with trial frames that visitors could try on, together with two booklets of Keeler Near Vision test charts. The 2004 event was opened by television quizmaster, historian and museums advocate Bamber Gascoigne. 2003's VIP guest, the television archaeologist Michael Wood, showed an interest in Dr Emarah's Arabic test letter chart.
In 2005 several group members were represented at the St Mary's Hospital Fun Day in Paddington. The oversized spectacles were a great talking point and it may surprise you to learn that they are actually nearly 50 years old.
In May 2007 the group took a stand at the 'Who Do You Think You Are?' genealogical history event with a range of interactive activities including the first appearance of the BOA Museum's 'See Yourself as Your Ancestors Saw Themselves' activity trying-on old spectacle frames. Visitor feedback at our stand was very appreciative at an event which many found otherwise disappointing because there was too little to do so, although we won't be returning to that particular event, we are looking for other outlets to promote our respective museums in an engaging and hands-on manner!
Enquiries about the LMoHM group should be directed via the LMoHM website or sent to the current Chairman.
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